Ashover Family Farm is a pick-your-own pumpkin patch near Ashover, between Chesterfield and Matlock in Derbyshire, where the Tomlinson family grows more than 40,000 pumpkins for the October season. With free entry, no need to book, a maize maze and marshmallow toasting, it has become one of the most popular pumpkin days out in the Amber Valley and wider Peak District fringe.
About Ashover Family Farm
Run by the Tomlinson family, trading as A Tomlinson and Son, Ashover Family Farm sits at Eastwood Hall Farm on Eastwood Lane, roughly midway between Chesterfield and Matlock. The farm follows a four-season events model with a real focus on sustainable, regenerative farming: tulip picking in spring, sunflowers and a maize maze in summer, and the pumpkin patch in October. Everything is grown on the farm, and the headline promise of free entry and free parking has made it a firm local favourite.
Pumpkin Picking at Ashover Family Farm
The pick-your-own patch is a big one, with more than 40,000 homegrown pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, suitable for both carving and cooking. You head into the field, pick what you like and pay only for what you take. Dotted around are photo-opportunity displays and wildflowers, and a maize maze and marshmallow toasting add to the day, so it works well as a couple of hours out rather than a quick in-and-out. The sheer scale means there are usually good pumpkins to be had even later in the month.
Things to Do on the Day
- Pick-your-own from more than 40,000 homegrown pumpkins
- Maize maze to explore
- Marshmallow toasting
- Photo-opportunity displays and wildflowers around the patch
- Refreshments including hot and cold drinks and snacks
- Other seasons to come back for: tulip picking in spring, sunflowers in summer
Opening Times & Prices
2026 dates: opens Sat 3 October; opens Saturday 3 October 2026 (no closing date stated); entry free; parking free (as published by the farm, checked Mon 7 September; source).
The pumpkin patch opens in October, generally from the first Saturday of the month and then daily through to 31 October, usually 10am to 4pm. As the first Saturday shifts each year, it is worth checking the farm’s Facebook page from late September for the exact opening date for the new season.
Entry and parking are both free, and there is no need to book. Pumpkins are charged individually, so you simply pay for the ones you pick, and both cash and card are accepted.
Getting There & Visitor Information
- Location: Eastwood Hall Farm, Eastwood Lane, Ashover, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S45 0BD. About 7 miles from Chesterfield, 5 from Matlock and 6 from Alfreton.
- Parking: free parking in a spacious field on site.
- Accessibility: the patch is on open farmland and can get muddy in October, so wellies are recommended in wet weather; there is an accessible toilet on site.
- Dogs: dogs on leads are welcome.
- Payment: cash and card both accepted.
Contact
Address: Eastwood Hall Farm, Eastwood Lane, Ashover, Chesterfield, S45 0BD
Phone: +44 7792 775134
Website: ashoverfamilyfarm.co.uk
Facebook: @AshoverFamilyFarm
Instagram: @ashoverfamilyfarm
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the pumpkin patch open?
It opens in October, usually from the first Saturday of the month and then every day until 31 October, typically 10am to 4pm. Check the farm’s Facebook page from late September for the exact opening date each year.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry and parking are both free, and there is no need to book. You only pay for the pumpkins you pick, and both cash and card are accepted.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome at the farm.
How many pumpkins are there?
The farm grows more than 40,000 pumpkins each year, so even on a busy weekend or later in October there is usually a good choice still in the field.
More pumpkin picking nearby
Cooking your pumpkin? Try Best Pumpkin Cookies Recipes for Home Cooks, How to Make an Amazing Pumpkin Risotto, Pumpkin Muffin Recipes to Make this Fall.